Gender discourse in the kenyan print media. A critical analysis of the text of Oyunga Pala of The Daily Nation

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Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to find out how language is used to perpetuate gender
inequality as portrayed in the Kenyan print media. In particular, it set out to discover how
what is generally seen as common sense and natural way of expressing oneself can in fact
turn out to convey ideological insights.
The Critical Discourse Approach proposed by Norman Fairclough, Ruth Wodak, and
Teun Van Dijk among others was used in this study. This approach proposes that
language should be studied as a social tool used for communication and this should be the
basis for investigating the role language plays in various communicative contexts.
Specifically, it proposes to integrate linguistics into the everyday challenges of social life
and gives much insight into the role of language in shaping society.
Chapter one entails the general framework of the study in which we set out the
background to the study, statement of the problem, objectives and hypotheses guiding the
study, the theoretical approach used, the methods of data collection, review of relevant
literature and the rationale for the study.
In chapter two, the elaborate details of the Critical Discourse Analysis as the theoretical
framework adapted for the research are discussed at length. This chapter aiso gives a
detailed definition of some of the terms and concepts used in the study.
The main arguments of this thesis are brought out in chapter three where the data is
presented and analysed. Chapter four has the summary, conclusion, and
recommendations for further study.